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A Christmas Haven: An Amish Christmas Romance

(An Amish Christmas Romance #2)

Cindy Woodsmall (Goodreads Author),

Erin Woodsmall

4.21 · Rating details · 319 ratings · 126 reviews

Old Order Amish Ivy Zook is wrestling with her need to shed her community's ways so she can grow the business of her dreams: planning parties. As long as she's stuck living without modernization, she can barely get her business on its feet. But if she leaves too soon, she'd cause trouble for her sister, Holly, who is planning her wedding to Joshua Smucker. All of their pla ...more

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Hardcover, 208 pages

Published September 24th 2019 by Waterbrook Press

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Lists with This Book

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· 319 ratings · 126 reviews

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Sep 14, 2019 Deanne Patterson rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommended to Deanne by: cnnamongirl@aol.com

Shelves: netgalley, netgalley-sep-2019

"Who I am can't be defined by breaking bonds with my family. It can only be defined by blooming right where He planted me."

Erin and Cindy Woodsmall have coauthored four books together including this their third Christmas one.
I look at this book as a sequel to The Amish Remedy, last year's Christmas book by these authors.
In this one we see an update to the character's and situations we encountered in this previous book.
This book can be read as a stand alone but you'll have a better understanding ...more

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Jul 08, 2019 Karen R rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019-reading-challenge, first-reads, christmas

A heartfelt story full of faith, hope, and love! An unwed pregnant teen on the run with her brother find a haven in the compassionate care of an Amish community. This story follows the Zook family from the previous novella, A Christmas Remedy, featuring Holly's younger sister, Ivy. It easily reads as a stand alone though.

I enjoyed this story from start to finish! It is well written with relevant topics, especially for young adults. The crisis of faith and major life decisions that both Arlan and ...more

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Jul 14, 2019 Laura rated it it was amazing

My thoughts: A CHRISTMAS HAVEN is kind of a sequel to The Amish Remedy and readers will want to read them in order to get Holly and Josh's story - and the pharmacy.

I enjoyed getting to know Ivy and Arlan and hope for a future story about Red and Magda.

A CHRISTMAS HAVEN is heartbreaking with the way Arlan and Magda were treated and I was so glad Arlan had compassion for his sister and got her much-needed help. I also loved the family dynamics of Ivy's family with their closeness and sense of hum ...more

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Aug 28, 2019 Gloria rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley-2019, reviewed, christian-romance, read-arc, rated, christmas-themed, amish

A Christmas Haven is the second book in the series, An Amish Christmas Romance, and another great feel good story of how the Amish approach life and deal with issues that come up within their church community. In these stories, the young adult women want to have a life that is non-traditional in their faith. In The Christmas Remedy, Holly wanted to become a medical professional to help the Amish and got it approved by her bishop. Now, she is engaged but will Josh's bishop approve? Her sister, Iv ...more

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Nov 08, 2020 Staci rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-in-2020

It was lovely to return to the Zook Family (book one is The Christmas Remedy). A Christmas Haven is primarily focused on Ivy, however, it was great to get caught up with Holly as well. This short Christmas novel is about making sacrifices for those we love and making tough decisions. The hospitality and kindness of the Zook Family is something to strive for. Holly's heart for reaching the Amish with modern medicine was a nice continuation in this novel. ...more

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Oct 18, 2019 Shirley Chapel rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Marilyn Ridgway

Shelves: amish-fiction, christmas-books

A Christmas Haven is a sequel to The Christmas Remedy. The title is what the book is really about. An Old Order Amish home becomes a Haven to a brother and sister who have fled from their Amish Swartzentruber parents. The young teenage girl is pregnant and her body is rejecting the change. Even though she is very sick her parents refuse to get medical help because they feel it is not an emergency and that she should be punished for her sin of being pregnant and not married.
The brother ,though s A Christmas Haven is a sequel to The Christmas Remedy. The title is what the book is really about. An Old Order Amish home becomes a Haven to a brother and sister who have fled from their Amish Swartzentruber parents. The young teenage girl is pregnant and her body is rejecting the change. Even though she is very sick her parents refuse to get medical help because they feel it is not an emergency and that she should be punished for her sin of being pregnant and not married.
The brother ,though set in his Swartzentruber beliefs fears for his sister's life . He makes plans to take his sister to get medical help. He has heard about Greens Pharmacy and hopes he can get medicine there that will help her. To do this he must disobey his strict parents and their way of life. Things don't go as planned and he soon finds out that his sister is in worst condition than he thought.
Holly's mother offers to let the runways stay at her home while the sister recovers . In exchange the young man will do work at the dairy farm and much needed repairs to the barn. He objects to the old order ways but his sister warms up to their family and the community.
This story also focused on Ivy, Hollys sister. She has decided to leave the Amish and venture into the English world in order to run a business. Arlan fears if he stays too long than the Swartzentrubers will find him and force he and his sister to go back home. Ivy's mother tries to persuade her to stay on the dairy farm and not leave home. Holly is not without her problems either as she plans to marry a young man from another church district. The bishop there feels that Holly must stop working at the pharmacy and stay at home as a Amish wife should. Will all things come together at the story's end?
A wonderful Christmas read about love and family. I always enjoy the authors Christmas books and hope they add another book to this series next Christmas. Excellent for all readers of Amish Fiction , Christian Fiction and for those looking for a good Christmas Novel to read. You won't be disappointed.
I borrowed a hardcover copy from the local library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed and shared here are my own. ...more

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Aug 09, 2019 Maureen Timerman rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019

I enjoyed this second book in this series, and love being updated in the lives of the previous characters, and now moving on with some of the other folks me met in Christmas Remedy, and note that they can stand alone, but love having read both.
We meet a young man willing to sacrifice all he has for the love and care of his sister, and an Amish woman who feels the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.
The author treats us to some information about different groups of the Amish religion, ...more

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Dec 15, 2020 Erin Cataldi rated it liked it

Shelves: audiobook, 2020

I was hoping that Christmas would be more of a central theme and honestly Christmas didn't play into the story at all. Most of the novel takes place in summer and fall. Ivy Zook has decided that she is going to leave the Amish in order to pursue her dream of party planning. Her mother is devastated and begs her to wit a few months so as not to cause a scandal and ruin her sister's wedding and Ivy reluctantly agrees. When a Swartzentruber Amish man and pregnant woman crash a car into the storefro ...more

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Oct 02, 2019 Dawn Wells rated it really liked it

Love this Amish Novel. So wonderfully traditional with a modern kinda- ish twist or wish. Very enjoyable and even better than expected.

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Oct 17, 2019 Cheryl rated it really liked it

Ivy is old Order Amish and is planning on leaving the order to open a party planning business. Her sister Holly works at a pharmacy and is studying for her LPN. She is also planning on getting married and doesn’t know if the bishop where her future husband lives will allow her to continue to work after her marriage. Arlan and is ill sister are part of an ultra conservative Amish sect and have to decide if they will continue with the sect or join the old order Amish. Set at Christmas time, it is ...more

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Nov 02, 2019 Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle, reviewed, amish, christmas, publisher-waterbrook

I loved how this book continued the story of Holly and Joshua from the first book as a subplot! The main character is Holly's sister, Ivy, who is struggling to balance her past and future while she is attempting to make a major life transition. Also in limbo are Arlan and Magda, young adult siblings who are on the run from their family. I was surprised by the differences between the Amish and Swartzentruber Amish and the prejudices each have about the other. I enjoyed that Ivy and Arlan spoke pl ...more

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May 23, 2019 Pam Pavkov rated it it was amazing

A Christmas Haven is another outstanding book written by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall. This is such a tender heartwarming story of love, friends, family, and faith. I was drawn into this story from the first page. The story can be read as a stand alone because the author touches back on previous stories giving the reader information about the characters. I truely enjoyed this story and I am hoping there will be another one to follow.

I was drawn to several of the characters and really enjoy ...more

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Jul 16, 2019 Becky rated it it was ok

There was something frustrating about this book. It feels like I did in high school when I was trying to write a paper and the deadline was approaching and I just tied everything up in a tidy bow and left out important bits of information. Cindy Woodsmall and her daughter-in-law, Erin, have been collaborating on books for a bit now and they do a wonderful job together. This one "flub" won't keep me from reaching for their books, but it's one I can't truly endorse.

A Christmas Haven starts in the ...more

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Sep 03, 2019 Amy rated it it was amazing

The writing duo, Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall, has crafted a beautiful story in their newest release, A Christmas Haven. It was fun catching up with the characters from their previous book, The Christmas Remedy. This is such a wonderful and heartwarming Christmas tale.

I am giving A Christmas Haven five plus stars. I highly recommend this sweet Amish Christmas Romance. It is a perfect book to get readers started on their holiday season reading.

I received this book from the publisher, but ...more

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Oct 08, 2019 Kay Garrett rated it it was amazing

Shelves: want-to-read

A CHRISTMAS HAVEN by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall is a wonderful Amish Christmas romance that’s about faith, family, love, traditions and finding one’s own path in life. This well written story will tug at your heart pulling for the underdog and hoping that dreams really do come true.

It’s the story of Ivy Zooks, raised Old Order Amish, and Arlan Keim, raised Swartzentruber, and how their paths crossed each bringing their upraising into the mix. Throw in Magda, Holly, Betty, a girlfriend o A CHRISTMAS HAVEN by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall is a wonderful Amish Christmas romance that’s about faith, family, love, traditions and finding one’s own path in life. This well written story will tug at your heart pulling for the underdog and hoping that dreams really do come true.

It’s the story of Ivy Zooks, raised Old Order Amish, and Arlan Keim, raised Swartzentruber, and how their paths crossed each bringing their upraising into the mix. Throw in Magda, Holly, Betty, a girlfriend of Arlan’s, and a strict bishops for an interesting and at times heart wrenching story. Magda is Arlan’s unwed pregnant younger sister and the reason they left their community, family and all they have ever known. Holly is Ivy’s engaged sister, who is breaking through some Amish barriers by getting an education and planning on working outside the home once married. Betty is Ivy and Holly’s mother, who is all for Holly achieving her goals, but can’t accept the possibility of Ivy following hers if it means leaving the Amish.

Can there be a happily ever after for any of them? Will Arlan and Mada find that there is a world outside of their Swarzentruber upbringing that isn’t “worldly” but finding that there can be joy and laughter while being reverent to God? Can Betty keep the family and farm that she loves together? Will Holly be able to do what she has always been drawn to do and fought to get an education for – to help the Amish community medically? Can Ivy find peace within herself and remain Amish? Can Arlan and Ivy find a way to span the vast differences of opinions and find their way to each other?

Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall have written a great Christian Christmas romance while touching the important values of life. That for the important answers in life, we only have to be still and listen to our heart and to God for the correct answers. I would definitely recommend A CHRISTMAS HAVEN to anyone that loves a wonderful Christmas story any time of the year, a great Christian romance story or just a fabulous book that will have you thinking with your head and heart! Although I’ve heard “A Christmas Haven” referred to as the sequel to “The Amish Remedy”, it can definitely be considered a standalone book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I haven’t read “The Amish Remedy”. However, after reading this book, I will definitely be checking out more books by these authors.
...more

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Jan 09, 2020 Carole Jarvis rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, amish

Reviewed at The Power of Words: https://bit.ly/2Nax7QW

Is this what the Word meant by “abundant life”? To experience the fullness of the heart, mind, and emotions? To give room to all of it in one’s own self and in others without trying to suppress or control it?
- Arlan

I love that quote because it encapsulates the overall theme of A Christmas Haven, that of discovering what abundant life means personally. Although a novella in length, the story has depth, characters are well developed, and comple Reviewed at The Power of Words: https://bit.ly/2Nax7QW

Is this what the Word meant by “abundant life”? To experience the fullness of the heart, mind, and emotions? To give room to all of it in one’s own self and in others without trying to suppress or control it?
- Arlan

I love that quote because it encapsulates the overall theme of A Christmas Haven, that of discovering what abundant life means personally. Although a novella in length, the story has depth, characters are well developed, and complex situations of life are explored. The story of Holly and Josh that began in The Christmas Remedy continues, but this story easily stands alone.

A Christmas Haven has a great ensemble cast. As I’m new to the series, I enjoyed Holly, who had “worked so hard to become a bridge that linked modern medicine to the area’s Amish communities,” hopefully by eventually becoming an LPN. Brother and sister, Arlan and Magda, enter the scene suddenly when Arlan crashes his car into the storefront of Greene’s Pharmacy. And then there’s Holly’s sister, Ivy, who seeks happiness by leaving the Amish community to start a party planning business.

The Woodsmalls shine light on interesting conflicts within the Amish faith that I found interesting. For one, there’s the contrast between Old Order ways and the Swartzentruber sect. I’ve always thought the Old Order to be ultra conservative, but the Swartzentruber beliefs take it to a whole other level. Then there’s Ivy’s drive to use her natural talents and find fulfillment in a business not condoned by the Amish. And there’s no certainty that the bishop, whose job is to preserve the Old Ways, will sanction Holly’s work, even though it benefits the Amish community.

I love the connotation of the word haven in the title, a place of safety or refuge, for that’s something we all seek in our Christian walk, along with this story’s characters. Another important lesson is that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, as Ivy learned to find that perfect balance of expectations between Amish rules and personal dreams.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Christmas Haven and hope to see further stories featuring these characters. Also, as much of the narrative takes place throughout the year, this novella works well for all seasons.

Recommended.

I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ...more

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Sep 28, 2019 Nyla rated it it was amazing

A Christmas Haven by authors Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall is a contemporary Amish story that grabbed by attention immediately and did not release it until the end of this beautiful book. There is so much inspiration packed inside the 208 pages that I want everyone to read it.

This beautiful story is a sweet, tender, heartwarming tale of dreams, love, friends, family, and faith. It follows the authors’ book A Christmas Remedy, but can be read as a stand alone because the authors fill in in A Christmas Haven by authors Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall is a contemporary Amish story that grabbed by attention immediately and did not release it until the end of this beautiful book. There is so much inspiration packed inside the 208 pages that I want everyone to read it.

This beautiful story is a sweet, tender, heartwarming tale of dreams, love, friends, family, and faith. It follows the authors’ book A Christmas Remedy, but can be read as a stand alone because the authors fill in information about the characters. I would recommend reading the other book first only because it is excellent, also.

The Woodsmall authors are gifted wordsmiths. Both of these books were page-turners for me. I wanted to read, read, read! The words were written in such a way that I felt as though I was there. I was so invested that I felt the character’s’ emotions. When they hurt so did I. The dialog sounded realistic and flowed easily.

One of the things I especially enjoyed was learning about two different types of Amish communities. All Amish are not alike. This story gave a realistic glimpse into the very strict Swartzentruber Amish and the Old Order ones. Many times I found myself shaking my head at things I did not know or understand.

This is the story of Arlan and Magda, brother and sister, who meet Ivy and her family. The characters were very well rounded and realistic. I could picture them from the descriptions. Everything about this book was just wonderful. The dairy farm was so well defined that I could almost hear the cows.

The family issues and individual struggles are ones that could happen. It was a realistic book that pulled on my heart. There are many God glorifying moments. This is a lovely Christian book that does not require searching to know that.

I highly recommend this book. It is one of the best novels that I have read this year. This would make a lively book club read as there is much to discuss. My rating is 5 out of 5 stars. The publisher provided a copy but I was under no obligation to write a review. These are my honest words. ...more

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Sep 25, 2019 Kristina rated it really liked it

Shelves: amish-fiction, netgalley, 2019-netgalley-challenge, 2019, edelweiss

A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall picks up shortly after The Christmas Remedy ends. While A Christmas Haven can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading The Christmas Remedy first. There is a cast of characters at the beginning of the book. I found the book to be well-written with developed characters and thoughtful pacing. Ivy Zook finds the rules of her community restrictive and she believes going Englisch will allow her to be free to pursue her dream of having a part ...more

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Aug 22, 2020 Kathy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

4.5 stars.

A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall is a thought-provoking Amish romance.

Ivy Zook is a party-planner with her best friend and she is ready to leave her Amish faith in order to expand their business. She also helps her mamm on the family's dairy farm and she is ready to leave caring for cows behind her. Ivy has a big heart but she is also stubborn and outspoken. Knowing she is breaking her mamm's heart, will Ivy follow through with her plans?

Arlan Keim and his family 4.5 stars.

A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall is a thought-provoking Amish romance.

Ivy Zook is a party-planner with her best friend and she is ready to leave her Amish faith in order to expand their business. She also helps her mamm on the family's dairy farm and she is ready to leave caring for cows behind her. Ivy has a big heart but she is also stubborn and outspoken. Knowing she is breaking her mamm's heart, will Ivy follow through with her plans?

Arlan Keim and his family are Swartzentruber Amish and this ultra-conservative sect is extremely strict. Despite his dream to own a farm with his brother, Arlan's father is not allowing him to move just yet. But this turns out to be fortuitous when his younger sister Magda becomes quite ill and their parents refuse to seek medical care. Defying their wishes, Arlan devises a plan to help his sister. Despite their rather dramatic entrance into the Zook's lives, Arlan and Magda find a much need sanctuary when they need it the most. At first objecting to the more relaxed Old Order Amish lifestyle, Arlan experiences a crisis of faith as he discovers that stricter does not necessarily mean better.

Ivy's sister Holly also faces a bit of a crossroad as her wedding to Josh draws closer. Holly's Bishop has allowed her to follow her dream of helping Amish families understand the importance of taking their prescriptions. She is continuing her education to broaden her reach throughout the community. But after the wedding, Holly is expected to follow tradition and give up her job. She and Josh are hoping his Bishop will grant permission for her to continue working, but will he agree to their plan?

A Christmas Haven is a captivating Amish romance with marvelous characters and a unique storyline. All of the characters grow and evolve throughout this heartwarming story. Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall bring this delightful romance to a heartfelt and gratifying conclusion. Highly recommend to readers of Amish fiction. ...more

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Sep 23, 2019 Robbie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A Christmas Haven, a touching Christmas story, gives us a glimpse of the Zook family, one year after the story, The Christmas Remedy.

Ivy Zook, like most young people, is struggling with who she is and who she wants to be. It is a struggle that will touch a chord in almost everyone’s life. However, her dilemma is complicated by her being Old Order Amish.

Arlan and Magda Keim, brother and sister, land in Ivy’s area when running from an even stricter Amish group. Arlan knows his sister desperately ...more

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Aug 27, 2019 Kirby rated it really liked it

A Christmas Haven is a charming and heartwarming holiday story that focuses on the importance of faith, family and friendship during whatever hardships come to light.

Surprisingly, this was my first experience with a Cindy Woodsmall novel, but she's for sure an author that I will be picking up again in the future, especially her Christmas stories. I didn't actually realize before I picked this one up that it's technically a sequel to Cindy and Erin's novel, The Christmas Remedy. However, it read A Christmas Haven is a charming and heartwarming holiday story that focuses on the importance of faith, family and friendship during whatever hardships come to light.

Surprisingly, this was my first experience with a Cindy Woodsmall novel, but she's for sure an author that I will be picking up again in the future, especially her Christmas stories. I didn't actually realize before I picked this one up that it's technically a sequel to Cindy and Erin's novel, The Christmas Remedy. However, it read beautifully as a stand alone, and I never truly felt like I missed out on anything by not having read the first book.

I've read quite a few Amish fiction novels over the years, but this is the first one I've ever personally read that highlighted the conflicts, differences and often tensions between the Swartzentruber Amish and the Old Order Amish. Ivy and her sister Holly have been raised Old Older Amish. Holly has been granted special permission from her Bishop to receive education and training in the health care industry in order to provide better medical care for the Amish community. However, her future within the medical industry remains unclear, as her fiance Josh's Bishop is more traditional and set in his ways, and Holly is unsure if she will be able to continue the work she enjoys doing once her and Josh are finally married. Ivy, on the other hand, is struggling to fit in within the strict guidelines expected of the Old Order Amish, and she's decided to leave the faith in order to start a party planning business with her Englischer best friend.

Arlan and his younger sister Magda have both been raised in the stricter Swartzentruber Amish faith, and have grown up without a lot of the conveniences that are permitted within the Old Order Amish. Arlan has worked hard to be exactly the man his father has expected him to be, and soon he will be permitted to leave the family's farm in order to run a dairy farm in New York with his brother, and finally be reunited with the girl he wants to marry. When Arlan discovers that his younger sister Magda is pregnant, extremely sick, and being denied proper healthcare by their parent's, he knows he can't stand idly by and watch. Instead, he and Magda choose to run away to give her the help she needs, and a chance encounter put them in the pathway of Holly and Ivy Zook. Tensions arise between the siblings who come from different faiths, but a friendship also slowly begins to emerge.

As Ivy and Arlan both wrestle with questions regarding the faith they've been raised in, Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall illustrate that above all what's truly important is the answers that are given to each child in His teachings in the scriptures. At the end of the day, each of us is where we are by God's never ending grace, not man's.

I enjoyed this lovely story for the well developed characters, the plot that focuses on real issues and tensions, the developing friendships, and the important messages about faith and letting go and letting God.

I loved curling up with this heart warming story in front of the fireplace, and am so thankful I finally had the chance to pick up a novel by the Woodsmall women. I loved it from start to finish, and I can't wait to read more books from these authors in the future.

Final Rating: 4/5

Thanks so much to Waterbrook/Multnomah and NetGalley for allowing me to advance read this!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher (Waterbrook/Multnomah) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review. ...more

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Apr 25, 2020 Tena rated it really liked it

Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall have collaborated to give us another wonderful story. A Christmas Haven takes us into the Amish life in an unexpected way. I'm not sure about everyone else but when I think of Amish I think of buggies and caps and dressing plain and no electricity. I really did not know that there was quite a difference in the Amish lifestyle between different orders. A Christmas Haven mixes English, Old Order Amish, and Swartzentruber Amish. It's funny the prejudices that each ...more

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Aug 23, 2019 Lori rated it it was amazing

Cindy Woodsmall is a favorite author of mine and I loved how she wrote this story with a labor of love. I think this is her best yet!!
The characters Arlan, Magda and Ivy and Hope were well written.
I especially admired Arlan. It certainly took a lot of courage to do what he did for his sister.
But there is One who shows His love greater than man can.
For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son to die for us. Here's another favorite: For by Grace we are saved. Oh how I love that. He only ...more

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Oct 19, 2019 June Jacobs rated it really liked it

This is a beautifully-told story with strong, dynamic characters and living in a quaint setting.

Perhaps the element of this book I liked the best was the manner in which numerous characters questioned their faith and their outlook on God's biblical teachings and found that they were not leading the faith-filled life their Lord had intended for them. A lot of individuals experienced a lot of personal growth during the course of this story.

Filled with hope, acceptance, forgiveness, honesty, and l ...more

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Dec 26, 2019 Nicola Short rated it it was amazing

I just finished reading The Christmas Remedy and happened to see A Christmas Haven was available on NetGalley. What a wonderful surprise! A beautiful written Amish Christmas romance. It was definitely wonderful to follow characters from the first book in this story, a story of family, friends and lots of love.
Very uplifting, heartwarming Christmas story. I would recommend A Christmas Haven if you enjoy Amish holiday romance stories.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the oppor ...more

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May 10, 2020 Abigail Harris rated it liked it

Shelves: did-not-finish

A series of mini reviews ... While this seems to be a sweet Amish romance I skimmed the beginning and couldn't get interested in it.
...more

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Sep 11, 2019 Melissa rated it it was amazing

A Christmas Haven brings us back to the Zooks. Old Order Amish Ivy Zook has only ever wanted to plan parties. However, not Amish parties but elaborate Englisher parties. To do this she must leave her community. Her timing couldn't be worse. With Holly planning her wedding, Ivy cannot jeopardize her sister's big day. When a car crashes into Greene's Pharmacy, circumstances change. Driven by a Swartzentruber Amish man, Holly, Ivy and her family take he and his ill sister in. Will caring for them m ...more

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Sep 11, 2019 Cecilia rated it it was amazing

Another excellent read by Cindy Woodsmall. I loved the characters and that they were each searching for God’s plan for their life. A wonderful message for us all.
Many thanks to Waterbrook and Multnomah and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Oct 27, 2019 Billie rated it it was amazing

Ivy Zook intends on leaving her Old Order Amish community to partner with an English woman to start a party planning business. Her sister, Holly, is planning a wedding so she is staying at home longer than she would like. When a car driven by a Swartzentruber crashes into Greene's pharmacy, where Holly is employed, the Zooks take in the driver, Arlen and passenger, Magda. Arlen begins helping out on the family dairy farm. Ivy is independent and sees things differently than Arlen. The novel has s ...more

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Sep 06, 2019 Ann rated it it was amazing

This is a very well written book. The authors have a way with words that makes the book come to life. This is a heartwarming story about putting others before yourself and how God always has the best plan for your life, you just have to trust Him, even when it's hard. A wonderful book with a beautiful message. Thank you WaterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own and I highly recommend this book. ...more

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Cindy Woodsmall

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Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author who has written nineteen (and counting!) works of fiction and one of nonfiction. She and her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud, coauthored the nonfiction, Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. Cindy's been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author who has written nineteen (and counting!) works of fiction and one of nonfiction. She and her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud, coauthored the nonfiction, Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. Cindy's been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life. In June of 2013, the Wall Street Journal listed Cindy as one of the top three Amish fiction writers.

She is also a veteran homeschool mom who no longer holds that position. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.

She’s won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer’s Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings' Best Books of the Year. She’s been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards.

Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Though she didn’t realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn’t allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy’s house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them—afraid that if they didn’t, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann’s because her family didn’t own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults’ disapproval and the obstacles in each other’s lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy’s family moved to another region of the US.

As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children. Over the years Cindy has continued to make wonderful friendships with those inside the Amish and Mennonite communities—from the most conservative ones to the most liberal.

Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in their now empty nest. ...more